Expert: Russ King - 8/31/2006

Question
My approach is difficult to explain, as I am a novice, but I will try.

I come in from the left side of the lane, and throw to the right end, hooking it in the the 1-3.  
1) I do use my thumb.
2) I do put my thumb in all the way.  
3) I use my middle and ring fingers.  
4) I am not quite sure if I rotate the ball as I throw it.  I think I am learning what is best to do when using the thumb, since I never have.  However, I would have to say that I am attempting to rotate my hand, yes.  

Therefore, I do not know how to throw it without breaking the wrist.  I thought it was how I pull the ball back in my approach.  Mayhaps I am rotated in some way?

thanks,
rich
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Followup To

Question -
Hi Russ.  I am 23, from Las Vegas, and I have been a recreational bowler for a while now, and decided it was time to get my own ball.  I always threw a palm hook wit hthe house balls and therefore, after much debate, decided to get a 14 lb fingertip V2 (most of the lanes in Vegas are quite oily).  I threw yesterday, and I am getting used to how the ball works, however, I am having trouble not breaking my wrist, and when I really focus on not breaking the wrist, I almost drop the ball, as if I can't hold on to it (I actually did drop it once).  The feeling is an intense amount of pressure on my fingers, and I want to support that with my thumb, therby breaking my wrist.

Thanks,
rich

Any advice?

Answer -
I need some more info on this problem.
 Do you use your thumb?
 Do you put your thomb in all the way?
 What 2 fingers do you use?  (middle 2?)
 Where are you on the approach & throwing out to on the lane?
 Do you rotate your hand around the ball at release?
 Try to explain your approach.

I think you are putting too much pressure on your wrist & your body is telling you this by breaking the wrist.If you are not putting your thumb in, Try not cupping it as much.Most bowler I have seen doing this,use a shovel motion. Like you are shoveling snow with a shovel with a handle.They have a broken elbow. This will help in the cupping too much & helps in ballance.If you use your thumb, try to lessen the cupping & consentrate on a stronger followthru.
 Let me know so I can fine tune my answer & get this problem solved.

Answer
I think I know what your doing now.
I used to cup my wrist so much I would get a rub spot on my arm above my wrist where the back of the ball rested when my wrist was cupped. My wrist after a few years started twitching & would back off of the cupping.I used to lift straight up at release to get the revs & lift. I now stay low at release & stretch out to my target with strong lift & follow thru up way past my face going to my back.My wrist is 1/2 as cupped & get even more action on the ball.
I started to use a Robbies wristband at the beginning in practice to train (NOT USED AS A CRUTCH)my wrist position.
I now use athletic tape(white cloth).I tear off a piece about 8" long. I put my wrist in a position that I want at the release point & then put the tape on the backside of my hand from my knuckles on up the back of my hand onto my arm.
As you try to cup harder,the tape will hold your wrist back.As you break your wrist further back,the tape will krinkle up behind your hand. This will get your mind trained on the feel of what your doing.You will be able to feel what your wrist is doing. Try not to rotate your hand at release. This creates a spin & you do NOT get all of the lift your fingers could get.Keep your arm close to your body all the way thru approach.Cradle the ball with both fingers in the ball & your pointing finger.You can get the back end reaction from lifting with your pointing finger.This will also help in ballance. You should feel the weight of the ball in your palm thru up to & in your 3 fingers.
Learn the basics of cranking before you try fancy stuff.The fancy stuff will come easy later on as you find your comfort zone with your wrist.You want to keep your hand as quiet as possible(no movement). THis will help in consistancy.Your arm is telling you its limmits. Now you need to train your mind what your hand is telling you.Fighting this feeling will just get you frustrated & hurt!
Try these things & get back to me for the next step on this problem. You need to do one step at a time so you don't loose your timming & progress to a more powerfull & smoother release.